Inspiration, ideas and information to help women build public speaking content, confidence and credibility. Denise Graveline is a Washington, DC-based speaker coach who has coached nearly 200 TEDMED and TEDx speakers--including one of 2016's most popular TED talks. She also has prepared speakers for presentations, testimony, and keynotes. She offers 1:1 coaching and group workshops in public speaking, presentation and media interview skills to both men and women.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Well-worn and tried and true, these five fixes are tactics I turn to again and again when I'm coaching speakers. No reason you can't start to put them in play, too--if only you will. While these are deceptively simple fixes, they can have a long-lasting, positive impact on your public speaking. Enjoy putting them to use!

Mindfulness meditation: It takes time to develop a practice of meditation, but it's the best fix for nervousness I know, and easy to do anywhere, even right before you go on stage. If you want a calm, focused presence, and want to avoid nervous over-preparation, this is your fix.

Take care of the speaker's body: Too often, speakers think of public speaking as a mind game, and neglect their bodies. Minding your physical condition will have a big impact on your next speech or presentation. If you want to feel calm, rested, and ready, this is your fix.

Write and learn a script: If you've always been a fan of winging it, or speaking without too much prep, you may be missing the chance to become a really good speaker--as well as one who's on time, every time. This fix can actually help you sound natural and focused.

Don't wear all black: Both men and women need this fix to stand out on stage--and on any video that might be produced of your talk. If you don't want to disappear, fix this.

Hide before and after your talk: This is a secret weapon for introverts, and for stressed-out extroverts who may be reverting to their introverted side. It's a fix for your energy level, and will mean you can have the energy you need for that big speech.